Oshiomhole tasks FG agencies on N2bn tax debt

adams oshiomole edoEdo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has appealed to the Head of Service of the Federation to prevail on some federal parastatals and agencies in the state to defray the outstanding N2 billion tax liabilities to the state Government.

Oshiomhole made the appeal yesterday when he granted audience to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi and Dr. Jamila Shuara, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation at Government House Benin City.

According to him “just this morning, I directed one of my Commissioners to do a letter to Mr President to draw his attention to the fact that Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies are owing us over N2 billion unremitted tax.

“We expect that given the fact that these are Federal Agencies they should respect the law, moreso when it has to do with tax obligations”, adding that whether Federal or State or Local Governments, the common denominator is the welfare of our people.

“Every tier of Government has the legitimacy of that share commitment. When all the three tiers of government work together, service delivery will hopefully be enhanced and our people will be the beneficiaries of what we do”, he said.

He remarked “we also believe that regardless of who your employer is, if you live in this state, you are part and parcel of the state”.

Governor Oshiomhole said that all those living and working in Edo State enjoy the same rights and privileges, just as the people are expected to meet up with their obligations to the state.

His said breach of tax laws are criminal matters and implored the Permanent Secretary, to prevail on the presidency towards the remittance of over 2billion naira tax.

Earlier, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi said they were in the state at the instance of Head of Service of the Federation towards creating a bridge between Federal Civil Servants at the Federal capital and those at the various state capitals.

He commended the cordial relationship existing between Federal and State civil servants and lauded Governor Oshiomhole for his developmental strides.